The Allan Labor Government is calling on Victorians to help decide which women's stories they would like to see celebrated through up to six new public artworks across the state.
Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins is calling on Victorians to vote for which six stories should be told through the next round of the Victorian Women's Public Art Program.
The chosen public artworks will be funded as part of the $1.2 million Government Community Support Fund's investment into the second round of the Victorian Women's Public Art Program.
Fewer than two per cent of close to 600 statues in Melbourne's public spaces currently represent women.
The Victorian Women's Public Art Program is addressing the underrepresentation of women artists and women in public art, along with gender stereotypes about women's achievements.
Victorians can visit Engage Victoria to see all 13 of the women's stories shortlisted by an expert panel convened by McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery.
Artworks chosen by the panel were narrowed down from a competitive pool of applications received earlier this year.
Feedback received through Engage Victoria, and advice from the expert panel, will be used to inform the Minister Hutchins' final decision.
The Minister will consider advice regarding the materials and longevity of the proposed artworks, their locations, the diversity of the proposed works and the stories that they will honour.
To find out more about the 13 women's stories and have your say, visit engage.vic.gov.au/womens-public-art-program.
As stated by Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins
"Creating a permanent record of the excellence and leadership of Victorian women shows future generations of women and girls what is possible - if you can see it, you can be it."
"As we can only choose six, I hope by opening the decision-making process to the public we can expose even more people to the stories of inspiring Victorian women who all deserve to be celebrated and remembered."
